Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

An epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt?
 
Isolated by Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons, the blissful Tarahumara Indians have honed the ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. In a riveting narrative, award-winning journalist and often-injured runner Christopher McDougall sets out to discover their secrets. In the process, he takes his readers from science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to a climactic race in the Copper Canyons that pits America’s best ultra-runners against the tribe. McDougall’s incredible story will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.
 
Available in BLRC: NF 796.425 MCD
 
 

Gold by Chris Cleave

Gold is set in London in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics. This is a novel about sport, but concentrates on the rivalry and friendship of three elite cyclists and their struggles towards the ultimate prize.  The storyline ducks and weaves, but the characters drive the narrative. You will fall for the 8 year old Star Wars obsessed Sophie;  the focussed, fault ridden Zoe (who I wanted to hug and then slap in quick time); Kate is a self-sacrificing, methodical and naturally talented athlete and Jack  is pushed and pulled between these two strong women. Cleave’s research is evident and the hard-work, torturous training and pressure of elite racing drips off the page.

Available in BLRC: F CLE